Mourning in Millonarios and in Colombian soccer. Ricardo ‘Pitirri’ Salazar died at the age of 66 in the morning hours of this Thursday, April 18 in Bogotá, as a result of a heart attack. The former soccer player, who was in the most recent victory of the Bogotá team against Junior in El Campín, had been working as sports director since the end of 2019, which is why he was key in the most recent successes of the team led by Alberto Gamero.
Pitirri, a renowned soccer player in the 70’s and 80’s debuted at the age of 18 for Atlético Bucaramanga. Likewise, he went through Deportivo Cali, Santa Fe, Millonarios, Cúcuta Deportivo, Independiente Medellín and the Colombian National Team. His retirement occurred in 1987 wearing the colors of Deportes Quindío.
After completing his studies as an economist, he became the sports director of Millonarios in 1990, which he would hold until mid-1999. Since then, and until 2019, he was the sports manager of Deportes Tolima, and was key in obtaining the titles for the Ibagué team, such as the Leagues (2003 and 2018) and the Colombia Cup (2014).
From Tolima’s success to millionaires
Salazar came to Millonarios thanks to Alberto Gamero, since it was the Samario coach who brought him from Deportes Tolima to continue achieving success and he did. After enduring the first years in the ambassador team without titles and with pressure, the reward came in 2022 with winning the Colombia Cup in the final against Junior. Subsequently, the League arrived in Clausura 2023 and the most recent Super League in 2024.
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Pitirri was the manager and architect of some of the most recent successful signings of Millonarios, such as Álvaro Montero, Juan Pablo Vargas, Daniel Cataño, Leonardo Castro, among others. His last great addition was the Argentine striker, Santiago Giordana.
FCF regrets the death of Pitirri
The Colombian Football Federation published a message in which it remembered Pitirri Salazar and mourned his death: “The Colombian Football Federation -FCF- headed by its president, Ramón Jesurún and the Executive Committee, regret the death of Ricardo ‘Pitirri’ Salazar, sports director of Millonarios FC (…) From the institution we extend a warm hug and the most heartfelt condolences to the family of Ricardo ‘Pitirri’ Salazar.”
2024-04-18 12:39:29
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